A Child is Born

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

Have you started your Christmas preparations? We have yet to decorate, but I’m far along in the Christmas shopping department. I don’t like shopping, so I try to order lots of things online. And if I have to go to a store, I go in November to beat the rush of people.

A Child is Born

In the scripture above, we see another kind of preparation occurring. Isaiah is preparing the people of Israel for the coming Savior. And he was early by readying the people almost 700 years before the event happened. The prophecy encouraged the people during a difficult time in their history as they struggled against the Assyrians and Syrians.

And Isaiah’s description also showed us the triune nature of God. First, we see God as the Mighty God and Everlasting Father. We notice Jesus in the Prince of Peace. Finally, we witness the Holy Spirit as the Wonderful Counselor.

But more than that, we see the characteristics of God within these descriptions, too. So, as the Christmas season speeds us, let’s take some time to review each of these depictions of God.

The Wonderful Counselor

This descriptive term echoes a peacefulness lacking in our Christmas season today. My vision of a wonderful counselor is a loving God sitting next to me as He listens with a caring heart. His presence offers comfort. This babe in the manager will be our eternal hope as His wisdom guides our steps on the path of life.

“This also comes from the LORD of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.”

Isaiah 28:29 ESV.

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Mighty God and Everlasting Father

When Isaiah wrote these words, unrest and wars filled his world, much like today’s world. The Jewish people of that day looked for a mighty warrior to come and save them from those who sought to destroy them.

Instead, the King of Kings arrived as a tiny baby. His true nature lay hidden under the swaddling clothes in the lowly manger. This Mighty God, Creator of the universe, and every living thing left His throne in heaven to come to earth. He came to teach us love and peace.

Much of the world missed His message because they looked for a warrior God. Jesus offered life eternal with Him. A gift to those who accepted His message. He calls us to love and live in peace with our neighbors. It is still a radical message today.

“But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”

Luke 22:69 NIV.

Prince of Peace

Ah, peace! My soul longs for God’s peace in my life and world this Christmas season. I long to spend time in a church lit only by candles, sing the old, traditional carols, and feel God’s presence settle the busyness of my heart.

I want to make memories that will last longer than any gift I could buy for my family.
Peace is the thing the entire world desires but does not know how to find.
Jesus gives lasting peace to His people.
He provides peace for today, peace for Christmas, and peace for all eternity.

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7 NLT.

Make time for the Peace of Christ to invade your Christmas season this year.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for coming to earth so You could redeem me. When I think of the extent to which you were willing to go in order to save me, it makes me want to shout, to celebrate, and to cry with thankfulness. You love me so much, and I am so grateful for that love. Without You, I would still be lost and in sin. But because of everything You have done for me, today I am free; my life is blessed; Jesus is my Lord; Heaven is my home; and Satan has no right to control me. I will be eternally thankful to you for everything you did to save me! I pray this in Jesus’ name!

~ Rick Renner

Do you need prayer? I would love to pray for you. Submit your prayer request on my website at https://yvonne-morgan.com/submit-your-prayer-request-here/